Posted Breed: Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Mixed. Choko Bell, with his irresistible smile and handsome golden coat, wants to be the belle of a lucky person's home.
This loving and loveable boy is a lovebug who quickly warms up to his new human acquaintances, hoping for cuddles and belly rubs - or just the chance to sit by them and soak up lovin'. He gives lots of hugs and kisses, and rubs on his people like a kitten.
Choko Bell is a playful boy who likes to chase balls and play with his squeaky toys, then do zoomies around the play yard. A smart boy, he's curious and loves exploring new territory.
Choko plays well with other dogs and used to live with cats. He also got along with a mini-pig on a play date once. Choko is also crate-trained and responds very well to rewards. He knows sit, down, come, and stay, and answers to his name. He likes learning new tricks and playing games.
He walks well on his leash and is up for adventures on the Lady Bird Lake trail. Choko has high energy and would be perfect as a running buddy on the Austin Boardwalk or for playing catch at Zilker on a warm afternoon.
Choko will be a wonderful addition to an adult-only home, ideally one with a yard to explore. He's more than ready to lavish all that love on his new adoptive parents. Come visit and see if you can be the beneficiary of all that adoration.
All APA adoptions come with free behavior assistance through APA's behavior team. And remember, when you adopt a dog from APA, you are saving not one, but two lives - the life of the dog you're bringing into your home, and the next dog APA can save in the adopted dog's place.

A mongrel, mutt, or mixed-breed dog, is a dog that is not the result of breeding within an existing breed or to modify or create a breed and belongs to no breed.
In the United States, the term "mixed-breed" is a favored synonym over "mongrel" among many who wish to avoid negative connotations associated with the latter term. The implication that such dogs must be a mix of defined breeds may stem from an inverted understanding of the origins of dog breeds. Pure breeds have been, for the most part, artificially created from random-bred populations by human selective breeding with the purpose of enhancing desired physical, behavioral, or temperamental characteristics. Dogs that are not purebred are not necessarily a mix of such defined breeds. Therefore, among experts and fans of such dogs, "Mongrel" is still the preferred term.

If you’re looking to adopt a dog and don’t know where to start, puppyfinder.com is an excellent source for information about adopting a dog and will connect you with hundreds of shelters across the US that have adoptable puppies and older dogs waiting for forever homes.

Do your research – find out what types of dogs would be a good fit for your lifestyle and the activity level of your family. Also keep in mind the grooming needs of certain breeds that might require frequent maintenance.

Decide what you can handle – before you get sucked in by all the adorable puppy eyes you’re about to see, think long and hard about the appropriate age dog for your family or if you are capable of caring for a special needs dog. Puppies are a lot of work, if you don’t have time for potty training and obedience classes you’ll want to consider an older dog. There are plenty of middle aged, vibrant dogs up for adoption as well as many senior dogs that would be a great fit for a family looking for a more subdued dog with lots of love to give.

Learn about the shelters and their adoption policies – It might be easier to start looking at shelters within a certain radius of home but don’t be afraid to venture out to other states as well. Many states have larger populations of adoptable dogs and their shelters are willing to transport pets to suitable adopting families. Some shelters might have requirements for a home visit, a fenced yard or require you to visit the pet multiple times before you commit to adopting. Understand that the shelters are doing their best to place the pets in suitable homes and these requirements are in the best interest of both you and the pet.

Start looking… Once you know what you’re looking for and what to expect you can start your search through thousands of adoptable dogs. PuppyFinder allows you to search by age, breed, location and gender.

Meet in person. Whenever possible it is best to meet the animal in person before agreeing to bring them into your life. Even though photos and descriptions can tell you a bit about a dog, you can’t get a true feeling for the animal until you are able to interact with them and make sure they are a good fit for your entire family, including other pets.

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Posted Breed: Chihuahua / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat). Howard is a sassy boy who wants to make sure his human friends know who's boss. He says he is, but if his people want to pet him all over, that's totally okay. This sweet boy is a little shy on first meeting a new human friend, but once he forms an attachment, it's strong and forever lasting. He never forgets his people. Howard can be choosy about his dog buddies. Now in foster care, he's living with four dogs and prefers the two quieter, low-energy pals. He sometimes barks at the other, more active ones. He gets along well with the family cats. He can also be picky about when he wants petting and by whom, so he may do best on an adult-only home. He walks well on his leash, is crate-trained and seems house trained. He loves car rides, jumping in and settling down quickly. At home, he's easygoing, happy to go for a walk or take a snooze. He answers to the "sit" command. It should be noted that Howard has tested positive for heartworms. It's a treatable condition, and the cost is included in the adoption fee. You can read about heartworm treatment here: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/heartworms/ Howard should fit very well into a calm home with a single person or couple and other dogs that match is sedate energy level. Come meet him!

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Posted Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed. If you've seen the movie Zoolander, then telling you Ebert is APA's resident male model means you know that he's really, really, ridiculously good looking. In fact, we have it on good authority that Ebert actually taught Derek Zoolander his signature Blue Steel. Are you confident enough to walk the neighborhood next to a male model? If so, then you might be just the one for Ebert! Ebert's egg-like head and beady eyes are wildly charming. One look from him, with his ear-to-ear grin, and you know you're in for some fun. This boy loves to chase tennis balls and chew on toys. His enthusiastic play-time prance will crack you up. He also loves to splash around in the water and give kisses as a thank you for taking him on a walk or to splash around. Ebert is also a smart pup who learns quickly. He knows the ‘Sit' command, waits politely at doors until you say he can go, and walks well on leash. He loves treats and would love the chance to show you that there's more to him than being really, really, ridiculously good looking! Ebert is a fun-loving dude who just needs to get out of the busy shelter to really shine. Can you give him the peaceful and happy home he so needs? In return, he'll bring a smile to your face many times a day. Come meet him!

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Posted Breed: Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler / Mixed. Max is an absolute love bug! He excels in one-on-one situations with his "special human." He is an extremely active dog that needs a lot of attention and playtime. He would be great for anybody that loves spending time outdoors and is in the market for a new best pal.
Max is housetrained and is absolutely outstanding in his crate at night. He gets along really well with other dogs, but he isn't as great with cats. Likewise, he can get a little nervous around small children. He has a sweet demeanor, but he needs someone who will spend time to get him socialized. Keep in mind, all dogs adopted through APA are eligible for a lifetime of behavioral training from APA's behavioral training team.
Max would do best in a home without small animals or children. He loves to be petted, and will spend all day in your lap if you let him. He is a very affectionate pup that is sure to flourish once he finds his forever home.
Come on down to APA and get to know Max. Who knows? You may leave the shelter with your new best friend!

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Posted Breed: Labrador Retriever / Mixed. Trey is a golden boy who wants to be some human's quiet companion on long walks and quiet evenings at home.
It doesn't take long to gain his trust and affection. This sweet, attentive boy is happy to follow his new friend around the yard, going off to explore and always coming back to lean in for pets and scratches.
This mellow boy is chill and fairly low-energy. Although he's technically a senior, his joyful expressions and puppyish good looks really shine through when he spots a toy or knows you're taking him for a walk! He's happy to jog along with his human friend or take a slower walk. He enjoys chasing tennis balls, but mostly he wants to hang out near his person, curled up at your feet. If you give him a Kong filled with peanut butter while he's curled up at your feet, all the better.
Trey seems house trained, and he sits nicely when asked, especially if he can take a treat gently from his person's hand...and he would love nothing more than to take treat after treat...he'll also offer his paw for a handshake.
For all his easygoing, loyal nature, Trey has exhibited some separation anxiety in the home, but is working hard with volunteers to be comfortable when left home alone in a crate. He's a smart boy who's eager to learn, so his training is moving along smoothly! He is friendly and polite when meeting kids in public, but would do best in an adult-only home with an owner who is dedicated to continuing his training. APA's behavior staff is also available to help reinforce all the great work Trey is doing.
If you're looking for a low-key companion, come meet Trey!

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Posted Breed: Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (short coat). What's it like to be happily middle-aged? Let Rosie show you. She has enough energy to enjoy daily adventures, but her mellowness will remind you that her puppy days are well behind her. We know the feeling.
Rosie loves to get in some exercise with a good play session in the yard, and she enjoys her daily walks. She's even game for a jog. But she likes to take life fairly easy in the home with plenty of time for sleeping and lazing around. She's been living with an APA! foster family who loves her friendly, fun, and affectionate nature. But they have also found Rosie to be independent, and not in need constant attention. She's been well behaved when left alone in the home.
Rosie knows her basic commands, and her foster is teaching her some new ones. She's generally indifferent to other dogs, and may be willing to share a home with a well-paired mate.
Rosie takes a few days to get comfortable to new environments, but once she's settled in she has proven to be a home-ready dog who will make a great companion. She'll probably be able to make a smooth transition to her new home, but don't forget that APA's behavioral team will be available to help with any questions that may arise. And once we have been able to find the right family for Rosie, we will have space to take another dog into our program!

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Posted Breed: Chihuahua / Mixed (short coat). Dawson came to APA! under weight, a little banged up, and kind of freaked out by life. But once he was shown a little kindness and stability in foster, he slowly opened up to show us the kind of dog he can be. And he can be pretty great.
Dawson assumes the worst. He can be very skittish and reactive to loud noises and sudden movements, and he can be tense in new situations. But if you approach him calmly and patiently, he will soon accept your olive branch. And then you've got a friend for life. As he has gotten more comfortable, he has gotten a bit more bouncy and cheerful. In fact, he's been caught having some full-blown fun, and was only a little embarrassed about it.
We think Dawson would do best as a single pet in an adults-only home. In a quiet home, he is very well-behaved and low-maintenance. He just kind of cruises along, doing his thing. But he can get very tightly wound in a home with lots of bustle and activity. He's cool with quieter dogs that match his energy, and he'd probably be fine with a very aloof cat. But he really prefers not to be hassled. Your quiet lifestyle will be rewarded with a fun and funny little guy with a lot of spunk and sass buried under all of those anxieties. He does love toys and car rides. He is extremely good at balancing himself so he can look out the window. He prefers the world with a couple inches of glass between him and it.
Dawson isn't interested in being everyone's friend, but he wants to be a very special friend for one or two very special people. If you are careful about who you let into your own circle of trust, then maybe Dawson is exactly the dog you are looking for.

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Posted Breed: Chihuahua / Dachshund / Mixed (short coat). Mickey has one thing to say to his doggie playmates: "I am the boss of you!"
Mickey plays very well with the dogs in his playgroup, if sometimes rowdy. He just wants to be the alpha of the group, so he's happiest when his playmates are on the submissive side.
He's somewhat the opposite with humans. He's fearful of strangers and can be nippy with people he doesn't know and trust, especially children who approach his kennel.
But once he gets well acquainted and comfortable, he becomes his human friend's cuddle buddy, happy to hang out by his person's side, or even in her lap. He can be a loyal little guard dog, ready to alert his person to any evil that might be lurking.
Mickey is a fabulous walker on his leash, eager for neighborhood walks. And he likes playing with soft toys. And he's fun to watch as he zooms around the play yard, then dives into the swimming pool for some happy splashing.
Mickey will be a great addition to an adult-only home, where his people can take him for walks, chills on the couch with him and let him be their adorable watchdog. Come meet this future playmate.
And remember, all APA adoptions come with free behavior assistance through APA's behavior team. And when you adopt a dog from APA, you are saving not one, but two lives - the life of the dog you're bringing into your home, and the next dog APA can save in the adopted dog's place.

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Posted Breed: Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed. Warren Hood is better known as Fennec by his foster - like a Fennec Fox! This adorable dog with the magical ears has come a long way to get where he is today. Fennec is a lover of humans, cuddles, play time, and zoomies. He somehow manages to combine gorgeous athleticism with endearing awkwardness. He'll soar through the air in a game of chase but toss him a ball and he's like that infamous video of a retriever missing the treat catch in hilarious slow motion. Awkward catching skills or no, he's quite a smartypants who learns quickly and enjoys showing off his puzzle toy solving skills. Fennec is now putting those smarts to work as part of Dogs Out Loud, a training program to help shelter dogs meet their full potential. He is kicking some serious tushy on his training goals and building himself quite a fan club along the way. Fennec has been saved twice from shelter euthanasia, no easy feat for a sensitive bully breed boy. He's hoping his luck holds and takes him all the way home to stay this time! To learn more about Fennec or set up a time to meet him, email adopt@dogsoutloud.org! *Did you know? All Dogs Out Loud dogs come with comprehensive post-adoption support including: ·Free group training classes ·Free home visits ·$100 scholarship to local training facility when dog graduates from DOL program ·Lifetime adoption support guarantee including invitations to group hikes, Wine & Woof dog behavior gatherings, & free quarterly seminars ·Heartworm treatment for any heartworm positive dogs paid for by DOL through Animal Trustees of Austin ·Take home care packet including information folder & Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.'s Love Has No Age Limit

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Posted Breed: Labrador Retriever / Mixed. Annie is a sweet, gentle soul who loves feeling like she is a part of the big, wide world. She's not terribly active, but she loves to observe. People, animals, sites, sounds and smells. She feels anxious and cooped up in small spaces. She needs to see the trees and sky to be really happy. Annie was found in an abandoned lot on the east side, which may explain some of her wanderlust. But she prefers to be around people. She loves pets and belly rubs, and knows how to look at you in just the right way to get some attention. We don't know much about her history, but it seems she is not reactive at all to dogs when encountering them on a leash. She sniffs, she says hi, she's on her way. She hasn't met any kids or cats while in foster, but we would be happy to introduce her to any members of your family. Annie is house trained, and is good to hang out on her own during the day. She is very mellow in temperament. She's definitely not a jogger. We think she would be happiest in an equally mellow family, and in a home with a nice window to look out of, and some green space. She would love a doggie door. She is anxious in long hallways, where she can't see outside. Annie is a little bit of a hippie chick. Calm, mellow, and just wants to smell the roses. If you are or love someone like that, you will probably get Annie. Come on down and meet her!

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Posted Breed: American Bulldog / Mixed. Simba is an affectionate guy looking for love. He enjoys attention and is eager to please. He gets very excited when his people come home and has a hard time staying on all fours. Simba loves long walks as much as he loves cuddling on the sofa. He has a big heart and wants to share his love with you.Simba is crate-trained and can behave by himself when home alone for short periods of time. He's learning leash manners and already knows Sit and Stay.He's excited and a little nervous around dogs, so we advise a slow introduction to other dogs. He loves kids but does jump, so he may do better with older kids. Simba would do best in a cat-free home.Simba has tested positive for heart-worms. It's a treatable condition and the treatment cost is included in his adoption fee. You can read about heart-worm treatment here: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/heartworms/Come fall in love with this sweetheart today!